As the saying goes…April showers bring May flowers, but in reality, spring showers and late snow is only an indication that the mud season is upon us.
Mud rooms are usually located near a rear or side entrance to a home. It is a room where the dirt and grime brought in from the outside world is welcome. It is a room where the family control center can is located.
The first step in creating your control room will be to decide how it will be used. Will it be a:
Storage area with lockers for each member of your family used for storing coats, gloves, hats, shoes, boots, briefcase, purse, etc.
Storage area for sports equipment: tennis/lacrosse racket, bike helmet/shoes, baseball bats/balls, footballs, basketballs, snow skis/boots/shoes, golf clubs, hunting gear, fishing gear, etc.
Store music instruments between lessons
Outdoor center for gardening hats, gloves, clothing
Outgoing mail and package center
Dry cleaning area after pick up and delivery
Laundry basket and dirty shoe basket
Key hanging station
Charging station for your cell phones
Hydration station so children don’t have to track into the house
Recycle bins and sorting area
Family message center
Dog bed area/food storage
Cat litter box/food storage
Mud rooms are usually located near a rear or side entrance to a home. It is a room where the dirt and grime brought in from the outside world is welcome. It is a room where the family control center can is located.
The first step in creating your control room will be to decide how it will be used.
To meet these needs, you will need to incorporate the following organization and storage items:
Individual lockers or cabinets for each member of the family
Cubby holes for each member of the family
Coat hooks for each member of the family
Open shelving
Drawers and doors
Hooks for key, dog leashes
Blackboard, bulletin board or wall board for family message center
Bench seating for easy shoe removal
Cabinet for dog food or cat food
Area for cat litter box
Area for dog/cat food and water bowls
Umbrella stand or hooks
Cubby, drawer, or cabinet for beach towel and beach items
Bins for separating recycling items
The Mud room can double as a family operation center as it is the last area visited before you leave the house each day and the first place you enter when you come home. In essence, mud rooms are practical for more than just controlling mud.